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Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Jakub Moder has urged Poland to show courage as they look to bounce back from their opening game defeat at Euro 2024.

The Brighton man has been speaking to Super Express in his homeland after Poland suffered defeat to Netherlands in their first game in Group D.

They had taken a surprise lead in the game thanks to a strike from Adam Buksa in the 16th minutes, but the Netherlands got themselves level in the 29th minute with a goal from Cody Gakpo.

Ronald Koeman’s side dominated from there on out, but it took an 83rd minute strike from second half substitute Wout Weghorst to seal the win and all three points.

That left Moder and the rest of his Poland team frustrated, with them currently trailing Netherlands and France in Group D, after the French also secured all three points against Austria.

Poland next take on Austria on Friday in what will be a crucial game for both sides’ hopes of progressing to the knockout stages, and the Brighton midfielder has issued a rallying call ahead that game, urging his country to be brave.

“I think that courage in football is the key to winning matches,” he said.

“We played bravely against the Netherlands, and we will want to play the same against Austria. The rivals play intensely and run a lot. We must oppose them in the same way.

“But we have to start by sticking to this style, playing football and staying close to each other defensively.

“I think we run a lot too. We play intensely when we have the ball. But we also have a lot of quality. I think this will be the key in this match.”